A comparative market analysis and an appraisal are the two most common and reliable ways to determine a home’s value. Your real estate agent can provide a comparative market analysis, an informal estimate of value based on the recent selling price of similar neighborhood properties. To help prevent you from overpaying, review comparable homes that have sold within the past year along with the listing, or asking, price on current homes for sale.

An appraisal of a home can be provided by a certified appraiser. After visiting the home to check such things as the number of rooms, improvements, size and square footage, construction quality, and the condition of the neighborhood, the appraiser then reviews recent comparable sales to determine the estimated value of the home.

The Difference between List Price and Sale Price

The list price is a seller’s advertised price, or asking price, for a home. This price is a rough estimate of what the seller wants to complete a home sale and can be priced high, low (which does not happen often), or very close to what they hope to receive. One effective method to determine if the list price is a fair one is to look at the sales prices of similar homes that have recently sold in the area.

The sales price is the actual amount a home sells for.

Lenders typically require an appraisal, which run between $200 and $300, before they will approve a mortgage loan. In doing so, the lender is protected by ensuring the home is worth the money you want to borrow.

You also can check recent home sales in public records, through private firms, and on the Internet to help you determine a home’s potential worth.

Getting pre-approved for a loan with a lender is one of the most important first steps into the home buying process.

Getting pre-approved for a home loan is not as bad as it seems. It takes little time and will give you an idea of your budget when house hunting. Many lenders offer an online questionnaire you can fill out giving basic information like debt, income and assets. Also, buy getting pre-approved your lender will be able to tell you about different home loans available for you. There are several state and government programs that many consumers don’t know about.

Once you are pre-approved you are able to now start the house hunting process. The letter will give you an idea of your budget for the purchase of your home. You can start to narrow down your areas that fit within your budget.

Once you have found your property, the next step can go one of two ways. This is the most important reason to get pre-approved!!! Many Realtors and Sellers are less willing to accept an offer without a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter. This is very vital to have especially in a competitive market. By having a pre-approval letter, it shows the Realtor and Seller that you are serious about purchasing the home and have already started the process of obtaining a mortgage.

The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) is offering the Great Choice Home Loan Program offering affordable mortgage financing for middle/moderate income. Every Great Choice Home Loan is a 30-year, fixed interest rate home loan. Here is some basic information on the Great Choice Home Loan:

30 Year Term

Your monthly payments are spread out across 30 years to keep payments affordable.

Minimum Credit Score

To qualify for the Great Choice Home Loan, the credit score of everyone on the loan application must be at least 640.

Maximum household income

Your total household income must be below the annual income limit. This limit varies by county and the number of people in your household.

Maximum purchase price

The maximum purchase price you can pay for the home and still qualify for the loan program also varies by county and is closely related to the income limits set for that county.

Down Payment Assistance

Everyone who qualifies for the Great Choice Home Loan Program also has the option for financial assistance with their down payment and/or closing costs.

For more information on the Great Choice Home Loan Program, you can contact me at 615-624-1436 or via email at Tiffany@mcrealtytn.com

It is no secret that many sellers try to sell their own home through FSBO websites, or even Zillow. Many sellers believe there are not enough reasons to use an agent and pay commission, but the benefits below should convince you to use NextHome Music City

Strategic Planning– As a local Realtor, I will review market conditions, set a listing timeline and determine the list price of your home.

Marketing– I will submit your listing to the National Listings Distribution which will showcase your home on over 100 home buying websites including Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com just to name a few. Your house will also be submitted to the local Multiple Listings Service (MLS) for other agents to view your home. Facebook offers private groups especially for Realtors to announce upcoming homes hitting the market, so with the power of Social Media, I can alert other agents that your house is “Coming soon” You will also get professional photographs and professional signage in your front yard.

Offers– I will provide you all offers and walk you through the process of accepting an offer. We will review buyer qualifications, consider offer terms, and read over contingencies and addendums to help you accept the best offer.

Paperwork– Everyone knows there is a lot of paperwork that goes into buying or selling a home and I am here to help you through that process. From the contract, to disclosures to disclaimers, I can help you navigate all the necessary paperwork that is needed and required by the State of Tennessee.

Digital– Each one of my homes come with our Mobile Connect. Your yard sign will come with instructions for potential buyers to receive up to the date information on your listing including price, photos and other listing information right to their mobile phone while in front of your property!

And last but not least, personalized service. I have been in the Real Estate and Hospitality industry for over 17 years and have received numerous accolades and awards for my dedication to my customers and clients. I am licensed in both Florida and Tennessee so I have extensive knowledge of the Real Estate Market.

Whether your moving across the street or a few states away, moving can be very stressful and I am here to take some of that stress away.

Middle Tennessee has become of the mega hot spots to relocate to and many of us “Nashvillians” can tell you why. It’s the family friendly feel of living in a city, it’s the music, food and entertainment around every corner, but most of all it is the down home, good hearted people of Tennessee.

Now, if you are looking to relocate to Middle Tennessee, I can offer you a few pointers as just three years ago, my family and I moved to Tennessee from Florida. Yes, many people asked me “Why would you leave Florida?” and my answer was I wanted seasons, the country feel and of course mountains. Here is how I started my journey from relocating from Florida to Tennessee.

Where did I want to live? While Nashville is the hub of Middle Tennessee, there are also many surrounding towns and cities located within just a 20-30 minute drive. So I started with researching the different areas to live. I asked myself and family what we were looking for in a new town. Did we want the busy city life? Small town country feel? Or a nice town that is within driving distance to the city, but also offers great entertainment close by, so my family and I decided on Murfreesboro. Now, one of my personal reasons on deciding on new city was the school district. I spent hours and hours pouring over school reviews, school grades, location, etc. I relied heavily on Greatschools.org for my research. I also looked at Facebook for photos and comments regarding the different schools I was looking into. For reference, at the time, both my children where in middle school.

Once we decided… Once we finally decided Murfreesboro would be the place we would settle, luck would have it that my family and I were attending a wedding in Franklin just 25 mins away. This was the perfect time for us to explore this new area we were thinking of moving to. We drove around, visited the different shopping areas, neighborhoods and of course drove by the schools we were looking at to get a feel of the area.

Finding the right place… We enlisted the help of a local real estate agent in the area to help us navigate the home buying process. As a licensed Realtor in the state of Florida, I was familiar with the process of course, but needed help on finding the right home in the right neighborhood. We would get a list of homes in our price range within our school district and we would look at those homes and narrow them down. During this time, my husband had relocated to Tennessee while I stayed back with our children to finish out the school year. He would go and view the homes, Facetime me and take photos. Finally we found a house!!! It was perfect for our family, had a great yard and was within the school district we wanted. It was perfect for us and we put in an offer.

Now comes the hard part (but not as hard as you think) Now it was time to pack up the house and prepare to move. It is difficult to pack up years of your life into boxes and move them states over, but I kept reminding myself we are moving towards a better future. So, we packed up the house (took a little longer than usual, but we made do), hired a moving van and set off for Tennessee once the school year was over.

We have arrived! We made it to Tennessee, closed on our house and started unpacking. Our previous house was a 1200 square foot town home located on a teeny, tiny island in SW Florida, so moving into a larger home on a great family friendly street was just perfect. Throughout the unpacking process, we made time to explore our new area. We drove around the town, headed into Nashville and visited the other surrounding areas. It was great to see all the new activities we would be able to do during our time here.

I love living in this area. My family and I have got to experience so many great things in the past three years than we ever did in Florida. So, since moving to Tennessee, here are some things I have done:

I am a HUGE hockey fan and of course, Nashville is home to the Predators so I immediately made them my home team. I have been to more hockey games that I can count and got to witness history being made by watching the Predators become the Western Conference Champions and see the Stanley Cup Final.

I have been to more concerts than I have EVER been to! Everything from sold out crowds at Bridgestone Arena, to small venues with some of musics great legends. I even got to see Garth Brooks receive his 7 Diamond award.

So, while relocating can feel like it will suck the life out of you, I am here to tell you it is not that bad. With some planning, a helpful Real Estate Agent (me) and friends/family, you can make the move an easy one.

If you are looking to relocate or just looking to move period, call me at 615-624-1436 or send me an email at Tiffany@mcrealtytn.com

Sales of newly built single-family homes rose 18.9 percent last month, according to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. This represented the highest sales rate since October 2007, with a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 667,000 units, after an upwardly revised August reading. Compared to last year, new-home sales are 8.6 percent above their level during the same period in 2016.

“New-home sales have bounced back from a few soft months and have returned to the strong growth trend we saw earlier this year,” says National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “As existing home inventory remains tight, we can expect new homes sales to continue to make gains in the months ahead.”

These gains in sales continue alongside tight inventory, providing downward pressure on affordability. In a recent REALTOR® Magazine column, National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun urged the industry to recognize the impact that the “massive housing shortage” has on the overall the economy: “We need more construction. An economic boom, not unlike the one we had almost 70 years ago, could result.”

Looking deeper into the sales data, realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale noted a contrast between pricing and the amount buyers ultimately pay for new homes. “The growth in prices for new homes also shows signs of slowing, though that hasn’t yet appeared in home listing prices, which are up 10 percent from a year ago,” she says. “The discrepancy between list price increases and sales price increases suggests that some buyers may have reached a limit on the price increases they can afford, but sellers have not yet caught on.”

New-home sales increased in all four regions, rising 33.3 percent in the Northeast, 25.8 percent in the South, 10.6 percent in the Midwest, and 2.9 percent in the West. Home sales in the South had been greatly hampered by hurricane-related setbacks. All regions showed an increase in sales from last month, and all regions except the Midwest also show growth when compared to a year ago.

Located in Rutherford County in Middle Tennessee, Murfreesboro is fast becoming on of Middle Tennessee’s “it” places to live. Located just 35 miles from Downtown Nashville, Murfreesboro offers affordable housing, great schools and many is home to Middle Tennessee State University.

Housing

The housing market in Murfreesboro is booming with the average cost of a 2400 square foot home at $264,900 which is below the national average. Murfreesboro offers single family homes, town homes and farm houses. New construction homes have booked in the area due to the growth of the city.

Schools

Rutherford County Schools consistently ranges among the best school districts in Tennessee. The schools are known for both academics and athletics. Murfreesboro is also home to MTSU which offers 240+ academic programs and over 21,000 undergraduates. For more information on the school district in Rutherford County, visit www.greatschools.org

There is no shortage of attractions and entertainment in Murfreesboro. Visit Main Street Downtown and shop at the local stores, grab a quick bite to eat, or just enjoy some of the nightlife downtown has to offer. Visit Stones River National Battlefield and learn the history of The Battle of Stones River. Explore the grounds of Oaklands Mansion or visit Batey’s Farms where you can pick fresh strawberries, visit the Sunflower fields or join them in one of their many weekend festivals.

When looking to buy a home, you should expect competence, efficiency, and ethics from your agent. According to All America’s Real Estate Book by Carolyn Janik and Ruth Rejnis, good agents take the time to qualify buyers and show properties in their price range. They plan showing routes carefully and have pre-inspected most properties. They have a thorough knowledge of financing options, are up on the latest housing trends, and share data on the local housing market and home sales with prospective buyers. Adhering to a strict code of ethics, good agents avoid high-pressure sales tactics, refrain from showing properties that do not fit your needs or goals, and alert you to problems about the condition of the property. And they show respect for other agents and real estate firms by not talking down about them.

Finding a Real Estate Agent

Begin the search for a real estate agent by asking for recommendations from someone that you know. Friends, relatives, co-workers, or neighbors who have recently purchased a home can give you a firsthand account and attest to the agent’s professional abilities. Sometimes an agent you contact will refer you to another one who works more closely with buyers and sellers in your neighborhood. Once you have a list of names, interview at least three agents and ask questions about their community knowledge, professional experience, and commitment – some agents work full time, others only work at nights and on the weekends.

The Role of a Buyer’s Agent in Home Buying

A buyer’s agent represents the buyer exclusively. Thus, he works to protect your interests in the transaction and helps to negotiate the best purchase price and terms.

Using an Agent to Purchase a Newly Built Home

Agents can be used to purchase a newly built home, and in fact, some builders pay agents to find prospective buyers. But you also can use a buyer’s agent to help negotiate the price and upgrades on a new home. An agent can be particularly valuable directing you to newly built developments that match your needs, as well as helping you select reputable builders who are financially sound and respond promptly to buyers’ concerns. Builders normally require an agent to be present on your first visit to the site. This is a sensible procedure that allows the agent to be paid a commission should you decide to buy. Otherwise, if you find a development on your own, make a first visit without the agent, and later make a purchase, the builder may refuse to pay the commission – even if an agent became involved in the process at some point.

While more buyers now use the Internet to gain access to listings, or available properties for sale, it is still a good idea to use an agent. The agent brings value to the entire process: he or she is available to analyze data, answer questions, share their professional expertise, and handle all the paperwork and legwork that is involved in the real estate transaction.

Even though Summer is coming to end, it is not too early to think of your next Summer Vacation. Growing up on Sanibel Island, I have first hand knowledge of this little treasure off the beaten path.

Florida is a wonderful vacation destination. From amusement parks to beaches, Florida offers a wide variety of destination options.

While the panhandle is a great getaway, another small Florida treasure sits on the Gulf of Mexico in SW Florida. This area is Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, just two hours South of Tampa, these islands offer a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Offering 250 different kinds of shells, 230 kinds of birds, 15 miles of beaches, 25 miles of bike paths and 0 traffic lights. This low key island doesn’t have any buildings over four stories tall, and no fast food chains or large shopping malls. This is the perfect vacation spot for families, couples or just a friends getaway.

These beaches are unique barrier islands with sandy beaches and great shelling. In fact, you will many islanders doing the “Sanibel Stoop” which is bending over to collect seashells. Sanibel and Captiva are natural islands, so there are no food vendors, cars or anything that can disrupt wildlife on the islands located on the sandy beaches. Think of this as a Back to Nature island.

Activities

Beaches and Shelling- With over 15 miles of beaches, there is no shortage of relaxation

Island Cinema- Two screen movie theater offering leather seats and first run movies.

Watersports- Rent a boat for the day, take a tour of the islands, paddleboard, parasail or rent a wave runner.

Dining

From a quick bite to eat, to fine dining, the dining options are endless on Sanibel. Visit Doc Fords Rum Bar and Grille to feast on local gourmet food, check out the Lazy Flamingo for fresh seafood and a good time. For a little dessert, visit Pinocchio’s Original Ice Cream and sample favorites as the Sanibel Krunch, or Dirty Sand Dollar. With over 50 restaurants to choose from on Sanibel, you will be sure to find something for everyone’s tastes.

Accommodations

The most popular type of accommodation on the islands are private owned vacation rentals. These rentals are sprinkled throughout the islands either directly on the beach, or just a short bike ride. Accommodations range from studio condos to large gulf front seven bedroom homes. While vacation rentals are popular on the island, there are also several hotels to choose from. Since the island is small and charming, none of these hotels go over 4 stories and offer quaint accommodations. With accommodations ranging from one bedroom cottages to seven bedroom mansions on the beach, there is something for everyone.

Shopping

You will not find any malls, or large retail companies on the islands. What you will find are locally owned and operated boutiques, grocery stores, and specialty shops. Take a stroll through Periwinkle Place offering 26 shops, restaurants and day spa all situated in a park like setting. Whether you are looking for jewelry, clothing, art or just some fun memorabilia, there is not a shortage of shopping on Sanibel.

If you are looking to visit Sanibel or Captiva Islands for your next vacation, or are simply looking for information, email me at Tiffany@mcrealtytn.com

Middle Tennessee is booking with new home construction communities. Below are a few examples:

Nolensville

Catalina is an upscale, yet affordable neighborhood located in Nolensville. Located just off of Nolensville Road, Catalina offers 4-6 bedroom estate homes ranging from $599,000 to $675,000.00 Neighborhood amenities include community pool with clubhouse, sidewalks and an abundance of trees. Conveniently located close to Franklin and Brentwood along with many local shops and restaurants.

Murfreesboro

Westlawn offers easy access to SR 840 on Veterans Parkway in Murfreesboro. Offering 3-5 bedroom homes with such amenities as open concept living, gourmet kitchens, hardwood floors and front porches. Westlawn community amenities include pool with cabana, kid water play area, park and nature trails coming in 2018. Prices range from $320,000 to $390,000

Smyrna

The Villages of Seven Oaks is conveniently located near I-24 and about 20 minutes to Downtown Nashville. The Villages of Seven Oaks offers 4 and 5 bedroom ranch and two story floorplans. Features gourmet kitchens with granite and stainless steel appliances, open concept layouts and two car garages. Prices range from $280,000 to $320,000

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